I'm finally getting it narrowed down to a couple quads, any input/opinions would be appreciated.

I like the Vinson and was planning on getting one. The thing that turned me off is the flimsy bumper and floor boards, and the exposed radiator and CV boots. Locally the best prices I've found on the two are $6400 for the Kawi and $6000 for the Vinson. So it seems like with the Kawi you get a lot more for an extra $400 especially when you figure that the Vinson will need a set of stick stoppers and some sort of front bumber added.

I havn't actually ridden the Kawi yet, too cold up here, but maybe I'll try one Saturday. All the articles I've read seem to speak very highly of the 650. The styling isn't the greatest but there are more important things than looks. The other things I worry about are: How big of a pain are the dual carbs, are they a maintainance nightmare? Also there have been a couple posts lately about problems going into 4x4, belt tension issues, and choke cable problems. I plan on negotiating an installedhitch so I won't have to mess with that.

Does anyone have any experiance with one or both of these machines? Is one more Cold Blooded than the other (one of it's tasks will be pushing the huge snow drifts that keep apearing in my driveway)? I'd be glad to hear your thoughts. I plan on posting this on both the Suzuki and Kawasaki boards so as to get both sides.

The other posibility would be the Prarie 360. If I could get into one of those for around $5000 I could almost just pay cash... ...tempting[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img]

 

Dual carbs are not bad at all. I bet most people never need to synchronize theirs. The tool to do it is not much money, they shop can do it cheap. Other than that the dual carbs is a no brainer.

Yeah a guy can't get his 4x4 to work. Another one has belt drive problems. Another one has...

The reality is, most 650 owners don't have those problems. I haven't had a single problem. If I had a choke problem, or needed the shifter adjusted, I would do it myself and would not think it is a big deal.

It is a really well made quad. Get it, you'll love it.

 

If there is only $400 between the kawi and suzuki, then without question go with the 650. The two aren't even in the same class. Don't get me wrong, I've heard good things about the vinson as well. But it doesn't have the all the features nor power of the 650.

 

I had just a simple shifter adjustment ,no choke or belt problems here 25 hours 175 miles
The only thing you might want to figure in on your price of the 650 is getting different tires .The stock 2 ply tires make the quad feel real soft AND UNSTABLE . I put on 4 ply 26 mudrunner and am very happy with them. Feel alot more stable now ,totally different feeling .
Wait until you feel the power this quad has. I didnt test ride it just bought it and towed it home then hit 63 MPH on the pavement.
You will be happy with this quad.

Gb in NJ

PS Installed 2500 warn winch made custom switch ($12)for the handle bars and mounted remote outlet if needed. Took about 3hrs to do professional job.E mail me if anyone want pictures

 

Hey nyroc. I hear that!! One thing EVERY quad owner should do is figure out how to wrench on their own ride. A lot of these little problems can easily be fixed. Here's a hint. BUY A SERVICE MANUAL!! You'll save yourself a lot money in the end.

 

Yeah, I got the service manual a couple of days after I bought it. Not that I have had to fix the Kawi, but I always do that cuz I fix all my own stuff.

My bro asks me to repair his quads, but he won't buy a manual for them, so it is kinda tough, makes me mad sometimes. I get tires of asking mechanics, and posting questions when all I need is a repair manual.

I am not rich enough to pay other people to do fix my stuff. I feel I have saved gobs over the years doing this. I even have a code reader for my truck, which helps me diagnose other peoples car problems.

 

I have had my 650 since November. Probally got 40 hours on it and I have had no problems, it is pretty good about starting on the cold mornings. I use mostly to work with on the farm and alot of hill and woods riding. Anywhere I have the nerve to go, the bike will climb it. The dealer threw the hitch in with it, he said it was a 20 dollars or something like that. I think he just didnt want to put it on. That thing was a bear to put on, another thing be sure and have your mobil fluid ready before you attempt this feat. I do not know anything about the Vinsons, I am not really a Suzuki fan, I do agree with the guy who said for $400 diff. get the 650 there is no comparison. You get more power and speed, plus what you said was missing off of the Vinson.

 

I test rode the suzuki and I own the kawi,,,so I thought I'd throw in my 2 cents.And that's all its worth. (lol)The 'zuki is a nice machine.About the only thing that would concern me is the steering,,,its too quick.It gives too much leverage up when you hit bumps or ruts, making it harder too hang on to.I would also be concerned with reliability.Not so much with the engine or transmission, I have a 98 Quadrunner 500 that was very hard on wheel bearings, front diff bearings and seals,tie rods and things like that.Of course I was very hard on it, too.

The Kawi handles nice and the power is very impressive.I've only got 100 Kliks on it so far, so time will tell.Oh,,,the Canadian machines come standard with the hitch installed.Just fyi

 

I just read an article in "ATV Magazine", they pretty much trash the Kawasaki. They said the front suspension is way to soft especially with a load, refered to the transmision as "decent" at least a couple times, said the engine brakeing doesn't work as well as others, and that the tires suck.

They also call the Polaris 700 the "ATV of the Year", think the Quest is a great sporty quad, don't say hardly anything about the Grizz, and really like the Vinson. It's pretty much the exact opposite of everything else I've read so I don't know how much to believe.

Hopefully someone will let me ride one today but it's still hard to really tell much fron a short ride around the parking lot or flat dirt track.

and one other thing: Suzuki is doing $300 in accesories, since I want a plow and winch that's about as good as cash. Makes the differance between the Kawi and the Zuki more like $700...

 

Chainman, Just make sure you buy the quad that you WANT....There is nothing worse than buying a new machine and thinking later that you should have spent a little more or gone a little bigger.
Good luck!